Cornell “Fingers” Phillip, a member of ‘The Original Bouyon Pioneers’ has called for a greater focus on the structure and composition of Bouyon music.
He said that while he respects that Bouyon artistes will follow their own artistic inclinations, the depth and structure of their music must be considered.
“There are certain things that I would’ve done differently, both musically, and lyrically… it’s not to say what the guys are doing is wrong… The only I think that is wrong with the Bouyon music today is that the chant and the quality of the lyrical content, and we need to work on that,” he told DNO on Tuesday.
Phillip stated that while the chants and simple lyrics provide a comic effect, added structure will contribute toward the longevity of the genre.
“In this society, people want a little laugh now and then, but right now it’s being dominated too much in today’s Bouyon music. We need to focus more on structured music, instead of just the chants, and stuff like that. It will cause the music to have longevity,” he stated.
This follows a statement made last month, by fellow band member, Derrick “Rah” Peters, that the original WCK foursome would come together to release new music on the road on Carnival Monday.
Peters said commented that the band would be on the road “doing something solid.”
The brother is correct in his assessment. Trinis, Bajans, even Antiguans, are infusing different flavors into the Bouyon music and making it big. The same fate cadence music beheld! Some one needs to start paying attention to reasoning. Unfortunately, Cornell’s cry for a higher livity will be silenced and muffled!
If we study all different genres of music the one common denominator we find is great singers – except rap/metal. Until or unless we concentrate on the the voice, I am afraid Bouyon will remain a niche music.
Perhaps if I was the one who said exactly what this musical genius has just said <I would have been taken apart for my ignorance about music. Cannot even hold a note. But I applauid Mr. Phillip. I could not have said it better. I have always held the view that what we have as music today lack structure, creativity and in many respects lack expression except for the profanity and lurid chants and one liners. Cornel did not say that. I am saying so, simply building on what I understand him to be saying. Somehow we will all listen and develop what is truly Dominican
DA is fortunate however in that its product (music) can be placed in both the French and English market. So what is the strategy and plan for the Cadence/Bouyon Day organisers?
I would like to suggest that to award artiste and musician alike for their contribution to “Putting Dominica on the Map” musically a day should be set aside, which will cover both Cadence and Bouyon, and others that WILL follow, instead of a Cadence Day and Bouyon Day
More instrument for purchase are required, as well as better training for reading music and playing of instruments.
SO GOOD LUCK!!!!! FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Let us be real about this…Cadence Day/Bouyon Day, what is this about?
Music like technology evolves and can not remain static. Creative talented musicians are always trying to find ways to satisfy us with new songs produced in different ways with different instruments. Cadence like Bouyon evolved from some inspired genre and no doubt will transition into new genre something else. Are we going to have a “New Genre Day” for that too.
To take music seriously. you need to examine the market INTELLIGENTLY. The advent of internet and cable TV has us watching and listening to all sorts. It would be interesting to find what genre of music people in DA listen to on a daily basis. So. for musician to be successful, influential and able to finance their next musical project/album, they need to think like a business man……
Let us be real about this…Cadence Day/Bouyon Day, what is this about? READ BEFORE BEING CRITICAL
Music like technology evolves and can not remain static. Creative talented musicians are always trying to find ways to satisfy us with new songs produced in different ways with different instruments. Cadence like Bouyon evolved from some inspired genre and no doubt will transition into new genre something else. Are we going to have a “New Genre Day” for that too.
“Cornell “Fingers” Phillip urged Bouyon artistes to take their craft more seriously and treat music as a career, rather than a hobby”….. Well to take music seriously. you need to examine the market INTELLIGENTLY. The advent of internet and cable TV has us watching and listening to all sorts. It would be interesting to find what genre of music people in DA listen to on a daily basis. So. for musician to be successful, influential and able to finance their next musical project/album, they need to think like a…
Well said. The music is just for high heads.
No content. No depth.
It’s sad that you all broke up when u did.
All pioneers songs are classics. Time to forget past and move fwd
It’s a simple equation.
Can one’s music be played in another island and have appeal?
These bands now…..nope
Cornell….please invent a “slower” version….all musics have their fast and slow side, but bouyon just keeps rushing on. Where is the chillout side? Unless and until that comes up, bouyon will always be associated with drunk, drinking and freaking out. I must also say that the musicianship is very good….the keyboarders especially, are creative and super talented. So please invent the slow version and compose MORE SONGS IN CREOLE. Peace
I agree. That chant and remix business that’s going on needs to change. It can be done but way less. More focus needs to be put on actually writing songs and building some solid riddims.
Like the old ck
boy fingers come out there, since you leave wck you yet to make one bouyon hit for fanatic and you want to come n talk about what bouyon missing
hello mr. Phillip. the lyrics in the bouyon music. i find it fantastic, this is bouyon: rum, carneval, jump up, boomboom and party. thats bouyon lyrical music. changes can be in other form of arrangement. every musican or songwriter can write whatever he wants to write. there are no special lyrics. i as a musician living in europe bouyon music is kicking in german languege
bouyon songs are be playing in german lyrics. and it goes with the same party and boomboom! people love it!
PEace out !and a happy new year!
I share your sentiments. Also (and I’d love feedback on this) when a bouyon song is playing I always try to hear the lyrics, but I almost never can. I don’t know if the bass is too loud and it drowns out the voice because the singer’s voice is deep or something. But if we ever want to seriously export this we need to at least make it possible to hear the singer.
I applaud you for that Cornell